Nokia Mobile RFID Kit unveiled

In one of several master strokes unveiled at CEBIT, Nokia's forthcoming Mobile RFID Kit, the first integrated solution targeted to the mobile productivity of vertical markets will become a textbook example of convergence.Combined with the Nokia 5140, the Nokia Mobile RFID Kit is the first GSM phone integrated product offering with RFID reading capability. Shipments of the Kit will begin mid-2004 and there's sure to be a pent-up demand as RFID tags begin to populate the globe at exponential growth levels. The Nokia Mobile RFID Kit contains two Xpress-on(TM) RFID Reader Shells compatible with the Nokia 5140 mobile phone, the relevant application software for the phone, and twenty RFID tags. The Nokia Mobile RFID Kit extends the mobility of field force personnel by integrating RFID reader technology to a familiar portable device. Simply by touching a smart object, the user can initiate tasks in their Nokia phone - call and send text messages or access databases and record new data entries. "There are numerous ways to utilize the Nokia Mobile RFID Kit in a business", said Gerhard Romen, Head of Market Development, Nokia Ventures Organization. "The user can easily launch services and conveniently access phone functions like dial or send messages, just by touching smart objects, in this case RFID tags. The phone reader will read the content of the smart object, and translate it to an action. For example, a field service engineer can intuitively start browsing the latest service instructions to repair a machine on site. It is also possible to collect meter reading data to the phone by keying the reading into the phone, replacing the paper and pen method still widely in use today. The Kit can also replace the pen and paper method in recording time and attendance, for example." The Nokia Mobile RFID Kit is part of the Nokia Field Force Solution and operates in the 13.56MHz frequency range, at a very short range of typically 2-3 centimetres, using the ISO-14443A standard. The short reading distance is optimal for field force solutions where tags placed in premises and devices are read individually by a workforce that moves. The Nokia Mobile RFID Kit is an enabler of Nokia's "Life Goes Mobile" vision in making mobile phones more intuitive for users. Touching a smart object with a mobile phone is an easy way to connect to mobile services and content. It will not only improve the experience of using current services, but also create entirely new applications and value. About Nokia Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.